Sleeping on the floor

So today I learned that spending the night on the floor of the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia with a whole lot of  Cub Scouts is not as bad as I thought it would be.

It was a well planned experience by the museum and their staff was great with the kids (and the adults) plus the kids really enjoyed it.  I think they learned some science without really knowing they did.  Because as a parent, if I tried to show, explain, point out any specific aspect of science or science related fact I was somewhat rebuffed.

You get there around 6PM and start the check-in process for your group.  You can bring or order in (we had pizza) your dinner (some folks got Philly Cheese-steaks, that's next time).  They show you in which exhibit room your group will be spending the night and let you know the rules and plan.  You eat your dinner and then the fun starts with some lectures (Carnival of Amazing Machines), events (Design Quest Challenges) and an I-Max movie ("Space Junk" was on the docket for our visit).  Then we were off to report to our assigned campsite (The Giant Heart Exhibit) for the night. 

So, when laying on the floor, here was the view from our camping spot (literally taking the picture, just sitting up after waking from atop the sleeping bag),  Yep the big walk-in heart.  Just a note, you are not allowed to camp in or under any exhibits.

And then, here is the picture of our campsite when it was time to rise and shine.  I'm attempting to hasten his rising with some camera flash. 

 

They suggest sleeping with your head close to the wall, so if someone trips on you at night, it's your feet and not your head getting kicked.  They shut off most of the lights so the light at night while attempting to sleep is from the uncovered windows (Philadelphia) or the safety lighting.

And, thank you, they shut off most of the exhibit.  Yes, that huge heart BEATS loudly when the museum is in session.

Lights out about 11:30PM, but you can head for the eating area (no food near the exhibits) for some pre-sleep snacking.

Next morning they flip on the lights at 6:45 so you can start your day.  You need to pack up your camp site and stow your gear (if you have a car in the parking garage, pack it).  Then off to the breakfast they provide, which is OK.

Then a nice planetarium show (Liam Neeson narrating "Black Holes" and making cryptic Star Wars references) and then free time to finish up your exhibit exploration.

Was it a good time?  Yes I think it was.  The kids really seemed to enjoy it and the only part that I didn't love was sleeping on the floor.  I think some better gear and remembering to bring some Tylenol might help with that (wicked headache from allergies).  Am I in a rush to do it again?  Nope. But my son would, in a heartbeat (no pun intended), and that's all that really matters.

One other thing, if you go, try to get to camp in the "Changing Earth" exhibit, they have a section with an awesome spongy padded floor which would be perfect for sleeping!!!